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| 1. | General |
| 2. | Interpreting |
| 3. | Translating |
If you have a question that is not answered here,
What is the difference
between an interpreter
and a translator?
An interpreter uses speech to transform a spoken word, phrase, sentence, or thought from one language into another. The interpreter’s role is to enhance the real-time communication and understanding among individuals or groups who have different language and cultural backgrounds.
A translator develops a written text of words by transforming written words or speech (i.e. audio or video records) from a source language into a target language. The translator’s role is to ensure that the written documentation they generate reflects the exact and true context, as well as the social correctness, of the source material.
What can you tell me about the quality of LSU’s language services?
Our freelance foreign/sign language professionals are rigorously pre-screened firsthand through a series of interviews and reference checks. They are then evaluated by LSU’s management team and categorized in our database, based on their individual areas of expertise.
This process guarantees that our clients will get dependable quality language services from a professional who has proven qualifications in the specialty needed.
How can I keep my costs as low as possible and still get quality language services?
Contact us as soon as you know that you will need our language services. If you wait until the last minute, you may incur “rush charges.” Give us as much information as you can about the assignment (i.e. level of interpreting experience needed, specialty, technical terms, company background, etc.). The more informed our interpreters and translators are, the better prepared they will be.
We have a selection of interpreters and translators to meet your every need.
NOTE: Interpreters, especially those certified in rare languages, are normally booked well in advance of their assignments. Late reservations may require us to schedule out-of-town professionals, which would be additional charges for plane fare, hotel, car, per diem, etc.
What language services do you offer?
You Name It – We Got It !!
The best way to say it is…we can provide any service you need that requires foreign or sign language skills.
Interpreting
Some of our interpreting capabilities include: 1) Consecutive and simultaneous, 2) Telephone, 3) Three-way conferencing (domestic and international), 4) Voice-overs for audio and video presentations, 5) Escort and Host services for non-English speaking groups…and more.
Translation
Some of our translation
capabilities include: 1) Standard translations,
2) Special editing,
3) Editing
by
a separate professional translator, 4) Proofreading,
5) Back translation,
6)
Website and software localization, 7) Consultation on creation of
materials to be translated, 8) Special formatting,
9) Desktop publishing,
10)
Graphics design services, 11) Transcriptions...and more.
Additional Services
Language training (including ESL)
Voice-over recording
Why are some languages more expensive than others?
It is simple economics....the law of supply and demand. For common languages, there is a large supply of interpreters and translators, and the cost is relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, for rare languages, there is a small supply of interpreters and translators, and the cost is more.
If I tell you foreign language I need services for, do you have enough information to get me the right interpreter or translator?
At last count, there were over 6,500 main languages spoken in the world and over 40,000 alternate names and dialects. So, it is important for us to know the “host country” as well as the foreign language so that we can more accurately supply you with the right “language and dialect” to satisfy you needs.
Of course, we’ll also need to know what areas of expertise the interpreter or translator may need to successfully meet your requirements.
What information do you need from me to book an interpreter or translator for an assignment?
Language Services Unlimited (LSU) will need to know answers to the basic questions: how, who, what, when, & where.
Contact us for more information.
What is meant by the “source” language and the “target” language?
These terms are normally used for the translation of documents. The source language is the language of the original document or text to be translated. The target language is the language into which the original document is to be translated.
When the terms are used for interpreting, the source language is the language of the original thoughts or sentences to be interpreted. The target language is the language into which the original thoughts or sentences are to be interpreted.
I am a freelance language professional. How can I get listed with your agency?
Language Services Unlimited welcomes highly experienced professional linguists with expertise in every language or specialty imaginable.
Click here for contact information.
What's the difference between Consecutive Interpreting and Simultaneous Interpreting?
Very simply…
A consecutive interpreter waits while you are speaking. A simultaneous interpreter speaks while you are speaking.
Consecutive Interpreting
After the speaker finishes a
thought…or several sentences…the interpreter relays the message in the
listener’s language. This is the most common form of interpreting and the least
expensive.
Simultaneous Interpreting
While the speaker is talking, the interpreter is transforming the dialogue into the listener’s language. LSU’s interpreters, qualified to do simultaneous interpreting, have experiences working with top government officials and functions, as well as conventions, lectures, and other situations in which time and quality constraints cannot be achieved with consecutive interpreting techniques.
The “whisper technique” can be used, if there are only one or two people working with the interpreter. However, in most cases, simultaneous interpreting will require additional specialized equipment (i.e. sound-proof booths and/or wired/wireless technology developed for simultaneous interpreting).
Simultaneous interpreting is more expensive than consecutive interpreting. Costs are 25% to 50% higher per hour for each interpreter and two interpreters are normally required to be used in short intervals.
It is expensive to hire an interpreter. Why?
There is a great amount of responsibility that is assumed by a professional interpreter. Along with their superior command of more than one language and their knowledge of a variety of technical and industry-specific terms, they must be mentally adaptable.
Interpreters are expected to "think on their feet"...quickly transforming expressions precisely and meticulously between languages, with respect to the cultures of each nationality. And, they must ensure that all parties understand the fine points of the exchange of information and ideas.
Do I have to talk more slowly than normal so that the interpreter has enough time to communicate the exact meaning of my ideas into the language of my audience?
You can talk in your normal speed but, it helps the interpreter if you pause every few sentences so they can convey an accurate meaning of your thoughts.
The interpreter has a responsibility for accurately bridging the language barrier. For this reason, they may need to periodically ask you questions to ensure that they correctly interpret the true meaning and nuances of your speech.
What types of documents are normally translated?
Just
about any type of document you can think of…the translation possibilities are
endless.
Major categories include: General
Business, Education and the Arts, Medical, Government, Engineering, Information
Technology, and Personal Correspondence & Legal Paperwork, to name a few.
For a more detailed description, see
About Us.
What are your charges for translating documents?
It is impossible for us to give you an accurate quote for translating your documents without first seeing the full document or at least a sample of the translation project. Rates are dependent upon the language, the specialty, the level of technical content, the word count, and additional "miscellaneous requirements." There is a minimum charge for translations.
Additional "miscellaneous requirements" that can affect translations costs include: 1) Special editing, 2) Editing by a separate professional translator, 3) Proofreading, 4) Back translation, 5) Special formatting, 6) Desktop publishing, 7) Graphics services, 8) Transcriptions, 9) Translation certification, etc.
The reason we do not charge a “per page” rate is due to the variations in page margins, font types & sizes, etc. The quoted "per word" rate applies if it is greater than the minimum charge.
LSU Courier Service© is available for both pickup and delivery. Contact us for details.
Delivery
Standard delivery by electronic or fax transfer is four (4) business days for 1500 words or less. One (1) business day is added for each additional 1500 words. Long distance charges apply for fax transfers.
Additional Delivery Options (Contact us for details.)
LSU Special Delivery©: offering delivery one (1) business day sooner than standard delivery.
LSU Lightening Delivery©: offering delivery two (2) business days sooner than standard delivery.
For mail delivery of translated documents, the standard delivery time is increased, depending on the mail provider and mail service required. Charges for mailing and disk copy/format apply as applicable.
What is machine translation of foreign languages?
Machine translation uses translation software to “automatically translate” a document from the source language into a target language. The software can be very expensive and the translation is generally not very accurate. At best, a machine translation may offer a general picture of what the source text is trying to say.
But, to be 100% correct, the heart of a translation must contain crucial factors such as: 1) The exact meaning of the translation, 2) Sentence structure, 3) Technical terms and idioms, 4) Language-specific nuances, 5) Cultural sensitivities, etc. Translation software cannot take these things into account. Therefore, only a translation completed by an experienced, qualified human translator can successfully and accurately do the job.
What is Website/Software Localization?
Website/Software Localization is translating text from a source language into a target language using a software application that normally prevents the translated text from changing the programming code. Many clients will use our localization specialists when they are upgrading their websites or their software to capture the global marketplace.
Localization requires careful planning and coordination to develop the right team who understands your special needs. So, plan ahead…contact us for consultation before officially forecasting your project implementation schedule.
LSU®
08/25/2009
All Rights Reserved